Nigeria: Lagos Assembly recommends relocation of Makoko residents to Epe

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Lagos State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the state government to relocate residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Sogunro communities to Agbowa in Epe. This decision follows a petition submitted to the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, regarding the demolition of structures in these communities, which displaced thousands of residents.

The Assembly’s Committee on Rules and Business, led by Noheem Adams, conducted five meetings with petitioners and visited the affected areas with government officials. They found that the demolition, carried out by the state government, destroyed homes and properties, leaving many without shelter or livelihood.

The committee recommended that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu direct the Special Adviser on E-GIS to vet the enumeration report submitted by the affected communities. They also proposed relocating residents to a low-cost housing estate in Agbowa, Epe, where they can continue fishing activities.

The affected communities, which rely heavily on fishing, have faced deteriorating living conditions, environmental, and health hazards since the demolition. The Assembly’s resolution aims to address these concerns and provide alternative housing for displaced residents.